Limited First Edition--Signed by Gerald Taylor Publisher (c)1980. This is an excellent book that chronicles the variety artists who performed in the theaters in Melbourne, Australia from 1854 to 1948. You will be able to enjoy the fruits of Waller's research that he of the great magicians in the golden age of magic. Waller met a number of these great performers from 1895 and he reflects and comments on their performance on and off the stage. Interesting anecdotes on Chung Ling Soo, Houdini, Dante, Levante, Malini, Carter the Great, Cardini, T. Nelson Downs and many more. Waller also includes a number of jugglers like W.C. Fields; ventriloquists and other acts within the 248 pages of this hardbound book. Within the pages of this book are thirty-two pages of illustrations that feature many rare photographs. The dust jacket has a number of photos that are in the book. Gerald Taylor published the book in 1980. It is a good reference book, and it is a worthy book for finding facts of favorite performers you know and so many you need to know better.